In 1911, John was living with his parents at 33 Crowestones, Buxton. He was a student at Buxton College. He enlisted into the R.A.M.C. on the 23rd October 1915 and joined for duty at Aldershot, he was 19 years and 9 months old and a theological student by trade. He embarked at Southampton on the 2nd June 1916, entering the war at Harve in France on the 3rd. John was granted 14 days leave from 28th December 1917 to 7th January 1918. He was posted to England on the 27th June 1918 to Cadet Distribution Depot 63 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, Hampstead, NW1 with a view to a commission in the Royal Air Force. John was the son of William Thomas and Emma Swarbrick, his father was managing the local lime works. [Information source: service record and Dave Swarbrick]